Syrian security forces, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, have dismantled several Islamic State (IS) cells operating in southern Syria and Damascus. The operation resulted in the arrest of Firas al-Daghar, a high-ranking IS commander, along with several other key figures responsible for assassinations and illicit financing, according to the Syrian Ministry of Interior.
The Arrest of Firas al-Daghar and Cell Neutralization
The Syrian Ministry of Interior confirmed on July 9, 2026, that Firas al-Daghar was captured during a series of synchronized raids. These operations targeted locations across Damascus and its countryside, including Al-Qutayfah, Sayyidah Zaynab, Qudsia suburb, and Ish al-Warwar. According to the Ministry, the arrested individuals were responsible for recent bombings in the capital.
Al-Daghar, originally from the city of Inkhil in Daraa, held various leadership roles within the organization. Reports from the ministry indicate he previously served as the commander of the “Jidor sector” and the “Western Region.” He also reportedly acted as a personal attendant to the group’s leader. Investigative work by the group Tajammu Ahrar Houran in 2023 identified al-Daghar as a key security figure who facilitated logistical support for IS cells in the Jidor region following the Syrian government’s 2018 reclamation of Daraa.
Financial Networks and Targeted Assassinations
The investigation revealed that the cells funded their activities by targeting jewelers in Daraa province. The suspects reportedly stole gold and sold it to bankroll their insurgency operations. Beyond financial crimes, the Ministry of Interior stated that the detainees confessed to assassinating two ministry personnel and orchestrating a murder inside a barbershop that resulted in the death of a civilian.
Internal security records indicate the group was also actively surveilling specific individuals, including a couple targeted for assassination. Minister of Interior Anas Khattab stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the cell behind the Damascus bombings is now in custody, promising to release full details on their roles and connections once investigations conclude.
Security Trends in Post-Conflict Syria
While the Islamic State lost its territorial control in Syria in 2019, the group continues to maintain a presence through clandestine cells. The situation in Daraa remains particularly complex, as local authorities attempt to consolidate control amid persistent threats from armed groups. This latest security operation follows a pattern of ongoing violence; for instance, the Ministry of Defense reported on June 20, 2026, that two soldiers were killed near Manbij, and other attacks targeted military transport in the Hasakah region.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Firas al-Daghar? Known as “Abu Hamza Inkhil,” he is a senior IS commander who previously led operations in the Jidor sector of Daraa.
- How were the IS cells funding their operations? According to the Syrian Ministry of Interior, the cells financed their activities through the robbery of jewelry stores in Daraa province.
- Where were the recent security raids conducted? The operations occurred in Damascus and its surrounding areas, specifically targeting Ish al-Warwar, Al-Qutayfah, Sayyidah Zaynab, and Qudsia.
Stay informed on regional security developments by subscribing to our newsletter for verified updates and expert analysis. Have insights on the situation in southern Syria? Share your thoughts in the comments below.